As a business owner, you can often find that time is no longer your own. There is always something that you have to do or somebody that needs calling back. Simplifying and streamlining your daily operations will be something that will be of interest to all business owners. One way to streamline processes is to utilize a phone answering service. Having all of your business calls diverted and answered in a timely manner will look good for your business, and it may save those customers from turning to the competition. If you are still debating how a phone answering service would benefit your business, then consider the following points.
Professional Service
When you use a phone answering service, you get a professional service at all times. This is something that you cannot always guarantee with an in-house reception (or secretarial services). You want to keep customers and inquiries coming through, and when you have professional service, they are much more likely to return. Maintaining a professional approach 24/7 can be difficult. However, with a dedicated service, you will find that standards will never slip.
Great Brand Image
You want all business calls to lead to a great image of your brand. They can’t do this if customers are calling phone numbers and not getting the answers or assistance that they need. A professional phone answering service for your small business could help you build a strong brand image. It can help you focus on building what your customers need and want from your brand. When customers and potential clients know that they can get through to you (and get help or assistance), it will make them see your brand in a positive light. It will also make them less hesitant to refer others to your business, as they know they will not be left hanging on the line.
Consistency
All calls that come through to your business need to be handled with consistency. This is something that you can get with an answering service. If different callers and customers are getting inconsistent service when on the phone, it may impact how they see your business (and how they feel about your brand). They may not believe that your business is as professional as it seems, and they may think that it is not trustworthy. Consistency (even on phone calls) helps build trust and reassurance for customers and users of your business, and this is something that they highly value.
Lower Costs and Overheads
Hiring staff or permanent team members to answer calls and direct them can be costly. This can be a cost that continues to increase – even if you are not getting those conversions that you require. A phone answering service that comes with a contract and a monthly fee allows you to stay in control of your costs and overheads. It enables you to reduce unnecessary outgoings and stay on top of staffing costs. Paying a staff member to answer the phones and redirect calls at times when your business is open is expensive enough. When it is closed, you do not want to miss out on that passing custom, and for this, you will be paying a premium. With an answering service, this becomes a non-issue.
Not Missing Out on Potential Custom
Not all customers (or potential customers) can call you when your business is open or trading. This can therefore mean you miss out on the potential of new customers. With an answering service, you get the option to have lines that are open all day (or all week long). This of course means that your potential customers can reach out to you at any time of the day or night and on any day of the week. This increased availability means that you stand a greater chance of gaining and keeping new customers and building your business along the way.
Gives Productivity a Welcome Boost
If you are committing a lot of time, energy, and finance to answer calls, then you are missing out on time to grow and develop your business. This is of course time and energy that you will not be able to recuperate. Answering services that free up your team’s focus and time will help boost your business’s productivity. They will help you shift your energy and time onto where it needs to be the most. Utilizing services may also allow you to invest those saved costs and overheads into other areas of the business.